9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul
Istanbul, which has been home to empires throughout history, dazzles not only with its natural beauties but also with its unique architectural structures. Among these structures, the palaces shed light on the city’s deep-rooted past. 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul are among the important buildings reflecting the splendor of the Ottoman Empire. Today, they offer visitors a feast of history, art and culture. Here are the palaces you must see in the list of 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul:
1. Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace, which was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years, is one of the most important among the 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul. Built in 1478 by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, this gigantic palace is located in the heart of the Historical Peninsula along with Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The palace consists of four courtyards and dozens of sections.
The harem apartment, the sacred relics section and the halls where the sultans’ thrones are exhibited are among the most interesting places. It is also possible to follow the traces of the past step by step accompanied by the magnificent Bosphorus view.
The harem apartment, the sacred relics section and the halls where the sultans’ thrones are exhibited are among the most interesting places. It is also possible to follow the traces of the past step by step accompanied by the magnificent Bosphorus view.
2. Dolmabahce Palace
Rising in all its splendor on the shores of the Bosphorus, Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most eye-catching buildings on the list of 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul. This important building, which reflects the Ottoman transition to the westernization period, was built by Sultan Abdülmecid in 1856. It has a huge structure with 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths and 68 toilets.
One of the most remarkable parts of the palace is its crystal staircase and gigantic chandeliers. The room where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk died in 1938 is also located here and offers an emotional atmosphere to visitors.
One of the most remarkable parts of the palace is its crystal staircase and gigantic chandeliers. The room where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk died in 1938 is also located here and offers an emotional atmosphere to visitors.
3. Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace, located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, is one of the indispensable members of the collection of 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul. Built in 1865 by Sultan Abdülaziz, the palace was especially used as a summer palace. This building, which was used to host foreign statesmen, combines western architecture with Ottoman aesthetics.
French clocks, Hereke carpets and crystal chandeliers stand out in its interior decoration. The lion statues in the garden reflect both the architectural and artistic aspects of the palace. Thanks to its seafront location, it offers a magnificent view to its visitors.
French clocks, Hereke carpets and crystal chandeliers stand out in its interior decoration. The lion statues in the garden reflect both the architectural and artistic aspects of the palace. Thanks to its seafront location, it offers a magnificent view to its visitors.
4. Çırağan Palace
Çırağan Palace, which serves as a luxury hotel today, is a building that maintains its importance in modern times among the 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul. Built in 1871 during the reign of Sultan Abdülaziz, the palace was severely damaged by fire in its time, but was restored and regained its splendor.
It offers a perfect synthesis of European architecture and Ottoman style. The palace’s decorations, gardens and views overlooking the Bosphorus are mesmerizing. Çırağan Palace is frequently preferred for weddings, invitations and special events.
It offers a perfect synthesis of European architecture and Ottoman style. The palace’s decorations, gardens and views overlooking the Bosphorus are mesmerizing. Çırağan Palace is frequently preferred for weddings, invitations and special events.
5. Yıldız Palace
Yıldız Palace, located in Yıldız Park, offers a different experience with its location intertwined with nature among the 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul. In the 19th century, it is an important building used by Abdülhamid II.
This area, where various mansions were previously located, has become a palace complex over time. There are many buildings such as Şale Mansion, Malta Mansion and Çadır Mansion. Especially the Chale Pavilion was specially designed to host European royalty. The palace attracts attention with both its historical and natural beauties.
This area, where various mansions were previously located, has become a palace complex over time. There are many buildings such as Şale Mansion, Malta Mansion and Çadır Mansion. Especially the Chale Pavilion was specially designed to host European royalty. The palace attracts attention with both its historical and natural beauties.
6. Ihlamur Pavilion
Ihlamur Pavilion, located between Beşiktaş and Nişantaşı, is one of the most elegant buildings on the list of 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul. It is a great place for those who want to spend time in touch with nature.
Built in the 19th century during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid, this building stands out with its calmness despite being close to the city center. The pavilion, which has baroque style decorations, was used as a recreation area. Today, it attracts attention with its cafeteria and halls open to visitors as a museum.
Built in the 19th century during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid, this building stands out with its calmness despite being close to the city center. The pavilion, which has baroque style decorations, was used as a recreation area. Today, it attracts attention with its cafeteria and halls open to visitors as a museum.
7. Aynalıkavak Pavilion
Aynalıkavak Pavilion, located on the shores of the Golden Horn, is a place identified with music within the 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul. Located close to Karaköy, this structure was built adjacent to Tersane-i Amire, where the Ottoman navy was managed. Due to Selim III’s interest in music, ney and tambour concerts were frequently organized here. Its Baroque-influenced architecture and interior decoration reveal the elegance of the palace. Aynalıkavak Pavilion also hosts a museum where musical instruments from the Ottoman period are exhibited.
8. Adile Sultan Pavilion
Adile Sultan Pavilion, located in Validebag Grove in Üsküdar, is one of the cultural buildings on the list of 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul. Built for Adile Sultan, the sister of Sultan Abdülaziz, this building has also served in the field of education for many years. The pavilion, also known for being the place where the famous Turkish movie “Hababam Class” was filmed, offers a nostalgic atmosphere. Today, the building, which hosts cultural events and social organizations, is an important historical and artistic value.
9. Maslak Pavilions
Located in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul, Maslak Pavilions is one of the rare places where you can be alone with nature among the 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul. It is especially known as the place where Abdulhamid II resided before ascending the throne. The pavilions, which have a very simple but elegant architecture in greenery, were used as hunting lodges and recreation areas. This complex, which bears the elegant lines of Ottoman architecture, serves as a museum today. It is an ideal stop for those who want to get away from the city and take a peaceful stroll through history.
Istanbul is not just a city, it is an open-air museum. Each palace bears the traces of a different era and offers its visitors the opportunity to time travel. These structures on the 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul route fascinate with their unique atmosphere where history, architecture and nature are intertwined. You can feel the spirit of Istanbul more closely by visiting them. If you are looking for a cultural route, don’t forget to add 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul to the top of your list.
SSS: 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul
Which days can you visit the palaces in Istanbul?
Many palaces in Istanbul are open to visitors on certain days of the week. Large palaces such as Topkapı Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace, which are among the 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul, may be closed on Mondays or Thursdays. It is useful to check the current visiting hours and closed days on the official website of the palace you plan to visit.
Is there an entrance fee to visit the palaces?
Yes, there is an entrance fee for most of the palaces in Istanbul, including the 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul. However, some palaces (such as Adile Sultan Pavilion) may organize free events in certain areas. Museum card holders can get free or discounted entry to some palaces.
Which is the most visited palace in Istanbul?
Topkapi Palace is the most visited building on the list of 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul. Dolmabahçe Palace comes next. These two palaces attract millions of local and foreign tourists annually with their historical importance and architectural beauty.
Are there guided tours for palace visits?
Yes, guided tours are organized for many of the palaces in the 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul. Large buildings such as Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace and Yıldız Palace have both audio guide devices and tours with a professional guide. Thus, you can learn the history of the palaces and important details better.
Are the palaces allowed to be photographed?
Photography is allowed in the open areas of most palaces. Flash photography is prohibited in some of the interiors (especially to prevent damage to historical artifacts) within the scope of 9 Must-See Palaces in Istanbul. Information about these rules is provided at the entrance or at the box office. Special permission may be required for professional shootings.
